Trade unions Unison and the GMB have welcomed a council scheme to offer 150 training scheme places to youngsters.
The scheme includes 100 apprenticeships and trainee positions and 50 work experience places and will operate over the next three years. The local authority is pumping half a million pounds into the project.
Gary Enright, Unison representative at Caerphilly County Borough Council, said: “This certainly is a step in the right direction, with an aim for Caerphilly to become a preferred employer of choice.
“Unison has a strong interest in apprenticeship for young workers, with over 70,000 members below the age of 27. This is very much a smart local initiative by the council and we are very pleased to support the project.”
GMB representative Neil Funnell added: “The range of opportunities set out give excellent opportunities for all young people to gain skills for the future jobs market.”
Cllr Allan Pritchard, leader of council, said: “I am really excited with the ideas being put forward as we want to give our young people the best chance of gaining real employment for the future. The Unions have shown great enthusiasm to join with the council in support this concept of real training for young people living in the county borough.”